Cambodia targets 4m tourists in 2013

Cambodia is planning to welcome four million international visitors this year, the country’s Tourism Minister has said.

Thong Khon told reporters that he expected the country’s recent strong growth to continue in 2013.

“Last year, we received 3.58 million foreign tourists, up 24% year-on-year, and generated total revenue of about US$2.2 billion,” Thong was quoted saying by China’s Xinhua news agency. “This year, we believe that the country will attract up to four million foreign visitors.”

A rise to four million arrivals would mark an increase of 12% compared to last year. The country has already seen strong growth in the early part of 2013; the three-day Chinese New Year holiday saw a 17% increase in visitors to Angkor Wat, as airlines laid on dozens more flights from Vietnam and China.

Cambodia’s own national carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air, has also increased its route network this year, with the launch of new services to Hanoi and Bangkok.